Haiti Water Plus

Haiti Water Plus

Sometimes it can be difficult to know how you can serve others. It’s easy to have the thought “How can I make an actual difference in the world?” when that same world is weighed down by so much inequality. Inequality in access to clean water; inequality in educational opportunities; inequality in healthcare standards.

Through Haiti Water Plus, we believe there is a different future for the people of Haiti. We believe that together, with our Haitian sisters and brothers leading the way, we can be part of building a world that looks a lot different than it does now. We believe in a day when young and old can get a solid education in Haiti, where kids can play in safe streets, and where people don’t get sick day after day from the unsafe water they are drinking. We can already see that God is at work in Haiti—will you believe in this different future, too?

Our mission is simple:

Haiti: A Brief History

Six hundred miles from Florida’s southern coast is the western hemisphere’s second oldest republic. Haiti gained freedom from France in 1804 after a thirteen-year struggle for independence. The Caribbean island was rich. It had supported a large Taino civilization, served as the original landing spot of Columbus’ western exploration, and eventually became France’s richest colony. Immediately preceding the American Revolution, Haiti (roughly the size of Maryland) produced more revenue than the thirteen colonies combined. Yet the newly independent Haitian people struggled to thrive after the revolution. As in the early days of the United States, Haiti needed to develop manufacturing, international commerce, and governmental structures while defending its hard-earned sovereignty. However, unlike the United States, Haiti found few allies. Western powers did not readily trade with descendants of the West’s only successful slave revolt. France demanded reparations in the 1830s, the Roman Catholic Church did not have official relations with Haiti until 1860, and the United States did not recognize Haiti diplomatically until 1862.

The traumatic fight for independence defined Haiti’s early days. Haiti became economically, socially and linguistically isolated in the complex Caribbean world. Creole developed as the national language—a French-based language with influence from Spain, Portugal and West Africa. The need for individual farms and sustenance replaced export-heavy plantation systems and Haitian culture blended elements of the multi-ethnic Caribbean.

Haiti’s history is unique and developed the vibrant Haitian culture we see today. There is a kreyòl phrase “Piti, piti, zwazo fe nich”—meaning, little by little the bird builds its nest. From the Taino people to now, generations have built the unique context and character that is Haiti.

The Water System

Haiti became world news in January of 2010 after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake rocked Haiti’s capitol city Port-au-Prince. Not long after that the cholera epidemic began. People were left without homes and began to band together in tent cities, which quickly became breeding grounds for sickness, including cholera.

Missouri Methodists worked to help in the rebuilding process. Working in partnership with the Haitian people, individuals and teams joined together to respond to one of the most desperate needs—access to clean water. Access to clean water continues to be a struggle for millions of people throughout the world but through our continued commitment with Haiti Water Plus we are making a difference all around the country. The pendulum is beginning to swing in a positive direction. Since 2011, Missouri Methodists have helped provide nearly 6,500 bio-sand and Sawyer water filters to over 15 communities in Haiti. Here’s how the water system works.

Using technology taken from kidney dialysis, our water filters use Hollow Fiber Membranes. Our filters are comprised of tiny “U” shaped micro tubes that allow water to enter into their core through tiny micro pores. The filter pores are so small (0.1 micron absolute) that no bacteria, protozoa, or cysts like E.Coli, Cholera and Typhoid can get through. At 7 log (99.99999%) the filter attains the highest level of filtration available today and yet it has a very high flow rate due to the large amount of tubes. Each filter is certified for ABSOLUTE microns. That means there will be no pore size larger than 0.1 microns in the biological filter Simply put, it is impossible for bacteria to pass through the 0.1 micron filter.

No more digging wells if there is a water source, no constructing sand filters and no more purification chemicals. Families are able to construct and adapt their filter in literally minutes to locally found containers. Donating a filter includes everything we need to attach the filter to any plastic bucket or container for immediate use and lasting results.

Partner With Us?

Donate Toward a Water System: Inspire your church, small group, or family to donate toward purchasing a water system that can be used to help literally save the lives of a Haitian family and community.

$50 buys one water filter. Give however you feel led using our online giving portal (either login or select quick give, then select Haiti from the drop down menu) below or mail checks to:

Join a Learning Trip: These five day trips are focused on offering people a chance to see, engage with, and more deeply understand Haiti. There will be opportunities to learn, serve, and engage in lasting efforts on the island.

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Join Us in a Strategic Partnership Trip: This is a trip with a small group of people that serves a strategic purpose, such as exploring, developing, or assessing long-term collaboration in a variety of areas.